CARS Auto Service in WI Will Rebuild in Wake of Fire

A family-run auto service business that was destroyed in a November fire will be rebuilt on the Rolling Meadows Drive property, reported Laurie Ritger of fdlreporter.com. The business will return to it's normal hours in several months according to Carl Wolfgram, who owns Carl's Auto Repair & Sales with his sons.

Wolfgram told Ritger that the new body shop will be “bigger and better.”

While waiting for the plans to be approved, the non-salvageable building will be demolished. CARS handles service work for all makes and models, but specializes in European and import vehicles.

A cause was not determined but Wolfgram said insurance inspectors have been looking at a new piece of automotive equipment that was plugged in a wall outlet to charge overnight. Lt. Cameron McGee of the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office said the fire is not being investigated as suspicious.

The 3,000-square-foot business was built 26 years ago on land on the west frontage road, reported Ritger.

Wolfgram told Ritger he was sleeping when his wife answered a phone call from Fond du Lac authorities who told her the CARS building was on fire. By the time he arrived at the shop, all he could do was watch it burn from across the street. The interior of the building and its contents withstood far more damage than the exterior.

Until the new building is contructed, CARS is temporarily leasing some space at Bob's 151, across from Menard's and along Highway 23. Customers may call the usual CARS number at (920) 921-6511 for assistance. Wolfgram told Ritger that Signature Homes will be handling construction of the new building.

The Vietnam veteran has been in the automotive business for 35 years; 10 years at a location in Plymouth and the remainder in Fond du Lac. Wolfgram worked at automotive shops in Milwaukee as a young man. His father was an engineer and an uncle was involved in auto racing.

Wolfgram told Ritger that his youngest son, Charles, is considering joining the operation staffed by he and older sons Ben and Adam.